The 2023 New York were very fortunate to have gotten such quality starts out of Starter Kodai Senga, 30, a highly prized then rookie coming over from Japan. Here’s a look at Senga the previous year and a few takeaways on what 2024 holds.
Senga, 30, dazzled last year, putting up sharp stats in just his first year in the bigs. A solid 12-7 record with a sparkling 2.98 ERA, notching 202 strikeouts was the first sample of Senga Mets fans got, turning heads with big hopes for the starting rotation.
Now, what I’m about to say, take with a grain of salt. It’s obvious the pressure to be even better this season is overwhelming. It’s so intense. Senga is undoubtedly the Ace of the rotation that features a newly added Luis Severino, who depressed fans being shelved a huge chunk of 2023, but managed a 4-8 record with a disastrous 6.65 ERA.
Yet the team decided they want this man to take the hill every few days. I don’t understand it nor am I trying to. I simply accept it for what it is.
However, Senga showed us pure talent and bright light in a time of utter despair. The fourth place Mets got a great game from the competitive hurler each start. It’s easy to want Senga to be even better this year, but it’s no easy task. Sometimes guys have what’s called a sophomore slump. Senga handled his rookie year impressively. I would expect a slight decline, if anything. I would not expect a 6.65 ERA from Senga, however, more like a 3.58 with a slightly altered win and loss record, favoring the loss column.
To put things into perspective, Senga battled his way to the top in just one year in MLB. It’s not easy to follow up an impressive year, especially when the odds are stacked against you. Senga will have a slightly challenging year ahead of him, it’s expected for him to fall back a bit. I’m sure he’ll pick up the pace after a set back that 2024 predicts, because tough times don’t last forever. Hopefully Senga will surprise the Mets regardless.
Discover more from Mets Madness
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
